Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran Hardcover – Deckle Edge, March 8, 2016

An honest, smart, heart-rending autobiographical account of the price Iran exacted from Shirin Ebadi, a former judge, human rights lawyer, and Nobel Peace prize winner, for her non-violent advocacy on behalf of freedom and equality in Iran. Because of her efforts on behalf of imprisoned journalists and human rights workers, the repressive Iranian government imprisoned her, her sister, her husband, and the lawyers she worked with. They confiscated her property and blackmailed and harrassed her husband, breaking apart her marriage. And nonetheless, she, a devout Muslim who supports church and state separation, bravely keeps on speaking out and working for justice in exile. Everyone should read this and be inspired. But Judge Ebadi's story is also a cautionary tale: she supported the 1979 Iranian revolution. And the religious state that ensued turned religion into political repression, especially against educated women. (In fact, she immediately lost her judgeship, because women were not allowed to sit in judgment over men). So the message is: be careful who and what you vote for -- freedom is fragile and hate is strong. Institutions of the rule of law are vulnerable and can be dismantled overnight. Religion used for political power can be a tool of oppression. In sum, the book is a powerful reminder not to take free speech, religious freedom, and equality for granted. They are precious, and Judge Ebadi and many others still behind bars have paid a very high price for trying to get them back in Iran.

Interesting read, and I learned a lot about women's/human rights in Iran. Alas, I have never found that changes in legislation change how people act. But I would recommend the book.

Iran has always been part, but never a big part, of the American life I’ve lived. When I was in graduate school in 1979 a friend and fellow student went home to Iran—and never came back. Now, a close friend and native Texan treasures her Persian heritage by sharing it. And Iran has appeared and continues to appear, maybe too frequently, on the national news. Rarely is the news good. But for me, Persia is in the distant background, almost to the horizon. Or was, until I read this book. Rarely do I complete a book within 24 hours of the time the Amazon sack appears on my doorway. This one, yes. I cancelled plans, ate canned soup, and read. It is fascinating and eye-opening on many counts. I now have a clearer (clear may be out of the question) understanding of recent Iranian history and how it fits into world events—and I now know the people (men!) behind the names in the news across the years. But more, I experienced the life of a woman of about my age living a life—and losing a life—there. Nobel Peace Prize winner Shirin Ebadi brings it all: Not only her personal memoir, but the role of women in the Iranian world and in the world at large--She unapologetically presents both. I did not agree with some decisions, but I wasn’t standing her shoes—and I certainly appreciate her logic.

I could not put this book down - and it still keeps haunting me. Do you want to know what it's like to live in a police state? and yet still have hope? The whole topic of Iran, the Middle East, and the confluence of politics, religion, culture and human rights has been so confusing to me; Shirin Ebadi's own words have helped me more than any news broadcast. There is so much to learn here, I hope this book is read by many, near and far.

The truth about Iran might be another subtitle to this memoir by Shirin Ebadi. What does Valerie Jarrett (born in Iran and closest adviser to the Obamas) have to say about this expose on the contemporary government of Iran? How can the USA deal with a country lead by blatant and evil abusers of human rights? How does Ebadi find the strength to focus on her dream for a humane Iran? How could the threats to her person, her family, and her friends get any worse? Thank goodness Ebadi can write and publish.

Very interesting story about a fighter of human rights in very difficult situations, in a country ruled by sharia, religious law,

Fast and potent read. Well written and thought provoking look into the machinations of a police state and their effects on the innocent. Highly recommended.

Gutsy woman! We are so fortunate to live where we do. I have incredible respect for woman who fight for all of us o such critical issues. Freedom for all before self. There's a place in Heaven for this woman!

Arrived very quickly in very good condition

I learnt a lot about iran, law and all in all great book

Life of a strong woman Lawyer who fights the odds in a war torn country. An amazing read to understand how focussed determination made Sherin Ibadi an Iron Lady of Iran!

what a great book, a valuable read. I have been away from Iran for 31 years myself, and it was eye opening to hear about what is going on as we say " behind the curtain" in Iran that most people have no idea about, great job Ms. Ebadi.

This record of what has been happening in Iran and the surrounding countries in the last approximately 35 years is essential to start to understand how repression is exerted on hoever tries to defend human rights ! I admire Shirin Ebadi for her courage and obstination to resist these pressures and for her however slight optimisme that things could eventually get better.